Stanford football: Notes from Harbaugh’s presser

*** A few nuggets from Jim Harbaugh’s Tuesday press conference, which unfortunately takes place at the same time as Jeff Tedford’s … This is the early version of what I wrote for the Merc on Wednesday.

Look for Stanford to make lineup changes after its defense yielded 38 points and 463 yards to Oregon State. Or maybe not.

Coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t happy with the play of his cornerbacks but might not have any viable options.

“We have got to be more physical on the perimeter,’’ he said, noting Stanford’s inability to shed blocks.

The Cardinal benched starter Corey Gatewood during the game and inserted senior Kris Evans, but he struggled, too.

“I don’t think he played as well as he did the week before,’’ Harbaugh said.

The competition might have something to do with that.

The week before, Stanford faced a UCLA offense that’s ninth in the Pac-10. Oregon State’s attack, on the other hand, ranks in the top half of the league in most categories.

This week’s opponent, Arizona, is second in total offense, third in passing yards and fourth in rushing yards.

Like Oregon State, the Wildcats will attempt to create one-on-one matchups for their receivers against Stanford’s linebackers and defensive backs.

“They really spread you out,’’ Harbaugh said.

Traditionally, that style hasn’t brought out the best in Stanford’s defense.

* The Cardinal used two punters at Oregon State, David Green and Daniel Zychlinski, and probably will do the same this week.

Another change could come at punt returner, where Richard Sherman has struggled. The options include Doug Baldwin, Griff Whalen and Drew Terrell.

* Oregon State surprised Stanford by using the Wildcat formation on its opening series. Tailback Jacquizz Rodgers took the snap and ran for 61 yards. “We weren’t ready,’’ linebacker Will Powers said.

* Harbaugh downplayed the possibility of Stanford using the Wildcat. But at least one member of the offense would be in favor of it:

“That’d be fun,’’ running back Toby Gerhart said.

* Defensive end Erik Lorig (groin) begins the week as questionable. “We’ll see,’’ Harbaugh said without much optimism in his voice.

He was more upbeat about defensive tackle Matt Masifilo, who is purportedly ahead of schedule and could be ready for next week’s date with Arizona State.

* Arizona has injury issues of its own. Starting tailback Nic Grigsby (shoulder) played sparingly in the loss at Washington and backup Keola Antolin (ankle) wasn’t available. If they aren’t ready, freshman Greg Nwoko will get the bulk of the carries.

The Wildcats were also without two starting defensive linemen, Brooks Reed and Earl Mitchell, whose availability this week takes on added significance because of Stanford’s power running game behind Gerhart.

* The preliminary forecast calls for a high of 95 degrees Saturday in Tucson. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Other than drinking fluids beforehand, Harbaugh said, there’s no way to prepare for the heat.

Now, if a winter storm were to blow through southern Arizona this weekend, Stanford would be ready.